The aim of this essay is to discuss background of two designers: “Alexander McQueen” and “Chanel”, also to consider how their designs have influenced on fashion trends of today and how they have modified their collections for mainstream retail industry. As well as, did they have any economic and political influence in fashion industry?
Alexander McQueen was born as Lee McQueen, on March 17th in 1969 in the East end of London (2015).McQueen started his career in a young age, he was making dresses for his three sisters and announced that he wants to become a top designer. His parents implored him to change his mind and find a “normal” job (2015). But he left school at the age of 16 and undertook an apprenticeship at Savile Row at Gieves & Hawkes(2011).While
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After designer death his label still develops. In 2011 Sarah Burton who was McQueen’s successor have designed a Royal wedding dress for Kate Middleton. Also in New York was exhibition of “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was the one of the most-visited exhibitions in museum (2012). British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman said that McQueen was the most brilliant designer of his generation and his influence can be seen in the way that women were wearing over the last 15 years (2010). Alexander was contextualising his historical and cultural back ground in the avant-garde collections and catwalks shows. As McQueen was Scottish decent he could not avoid his national identity. He was using Scottish traditional elements for his dresses. The most popular collection was “Highland Rape”, which was telling about unresolved past events. The story is about the “rape” of the Scottish nation done by the British. His concept was against the Cumberland’s Dress Act in 1746.During that time it was illegal to wear national clothes like tartan kilt and military shoulder belt. McQueen collection shows freedom of cultural expression, but on the other hand he shows importance of dress that identify Scotland nationality. Also designer shocks fashion industry with his avant-garde fashion concepts, but the brand was commercially successful. He had opened shops in New York, London and Milan. McQueen’s collections were distributed in 39 countries. As well as he had a successful partnership with Puma and Samsonite. Alexander was included in the list of 25 most influential people in Britain’s fashion industry (2009). His designs were adored by countless celebrities from Joan Collins to Lady Gaga